The process of manufacturing a catalytic converter is lengthy and complex. After the part is defined by the engineering department of the Client, PGMS, Inc. will develop and implement a sourcing plan that provides the requisite amount of PGM’s when and where they are needed for production of the part. Based on this plan, the PGM’s are purchased from suppliers (mines, recyclers, etc) and consigned (or sold) to the catalyst manufacturer for use in the manufacture of parts.

PGMS, Inc. manages all pre-production activities (developing specifications, process FMEA’s and Control Plans, validation of measurement systems, etc.), production launch and regular production. Standard AIAG practices are followed, with modifications tailored explicitly for the catalyst manufacturing process. The catalyst manufacturer applies the required amount of PGM’s onto the parts and reports to PGMS, Inc. the amounts actually used (with additional pertinent manufacturing quality statistics) on a production Lot basis. Parts are then consigned (or sold) up through the supply chain, and the finished converters or hot-end assemblies are delivered to the engine manufacturer.

How is PGMS Inc. different from "full service" converter manufacturers?

PGMS Inc. offers a unique business process. While other companies can manage portions of the manufacturing process, only PGMS Inc. offers independent, end-to-end management and accountability of PGM assets. PGMS Inc. is the only independent company that offers full service management and asset protection providing transparency, accountability, accessibility and efficiency throughout the process from purchase of the PGM’s to receipt of the finished catalyst element, converter assembly or hot-end exhaust assembly. Key elements of our service are the rigorous tracking and auditing of the catalyst manufacturer. Physically auditing the catalyst manufacturer to validate PGM usage in the manufacture of parts is an essential part of the management of PGM’s.

Platinum producers not too keen on ETF

By Justin Brown

Johannesburg - The world's largest platinum producers yesterday gave the thumbs down to talk of an exchange-traded fund (ETF) due to the low liquidity in the platinum market and fears that an ETF could overheat an already tight global market for platinum.

Over the past two years, investors have poured $10 billion (R72 billion) into gold ETFs, including the ETF listed on the JSE.

There is also a silver ETF listed in the US.

Anglo Platinum's commercial director, Sandy Wood, said the group was not keen for there to be an ETF launched and such a vehicle would cause platinum stock to be locked up.

Platinum prices have hit highs not seen for more than 25 years, driven by growing demand for the metal in cleaning car exhausts.

Prices have risen nearly 130% over the past four years and now stand at more than $950 per troy ounce.

World demand for platinum is currently outstripping supply.

It is a key component for catalytic converters in car engines, and use is growing as pollution rules are toughened.

Russia and South Africa are the two main producers of platinum.

Those in the metals markets will have noticed the push into metals and I think we'll see more of that
Douglas McWilliams

The cost of platinum has hit a record high on rumours that a market is to be opened up allowing traders to speculate on the price of the precious metal.

Prices touched $1,402.50 per troy ounce on the London market, before falling back to $1,390. The previous record of $1,340 was set in May.

Platinum is a key component for catalytic converters in car engines.

World demand is currently outstripping supply and prices have risen 50% in the past year alone.

This is largely due to it being a very limited resource which has an industrial application.

Industrial downside

Russia and South Africa are the two main producers of platinum and its use in catalytic conversions is growing as pollution rules are toughened.

Other information sources on platinum group metals

Johnson Matthey's Platinum Today

Definitive platinum group metals information resource site with excellent background on supply and demand as well as price information.

http://www.platinum.matthey.com/

British Geological Survey

UK Government sponsored site providing information about mineral exploration, mining, production and trade

http://www.bgs.ac.uk

Platinum Guild International

Platinum Group Metals Services

Tracking PGMs and auditing washcoaters are ESSENTIAL to protecting your assets

Our procurement services include sourcing PGMs from producers based on the Client’s projected needs. As market experts, PGMS Inc. will utilize spot buys on market dips, as well as our relationships with suppliers, to lower the cost of PGM’s. We will establish and maintain a strategic PGM reserve, and use these reserves to hedge against market fluctuations. PGMs from the strategic reserve can also be leased to generate income.

The management of PGM’s throughout the supply chain is a key part of the PGMS Inc. management process. PGMS Inc. develops the contracts and commercial terms and then puts these agreements in place with the suppliers. PGMS Inc. ensures that PGM’s and up-stream products are delivered on time for each step of the manufacturing process. From start to finish, PGMS Inc. tracks the Client’s PGM’s and manages the process such that the Client receives parts with the PGM’s that were specified, on time for the next step in the manufacturing process.

PGMS Inc. is a Nevada corporation that specializes in the purchasing, hedging, managing and tracking of platinum group metals (pgm) used in catalytic converters.

Platinum Group Metals Services (PGMS Inc.) has:

• 30+ years experience with the most advanced catalytic converter/PGM producer and user

• Purchased over $450 million PGMs in the last 2 years
• 30+ years worldwide experience purchasing platinum group metals for major automotive manufacturer
• Chemist/engineer highly respected in the industry
• Outstanding relationships with all major PGM suppliers, washcoaters, and canners.
• System developed and used to ensure proper levels of PGM usage, prevent skimming, and protect your assets
• Managed over 5 Million Troy Ounces on more than 60 million pieces of coated parts

PGMS Inc. offers a unique patent-pending business process. While other companies offer only portions of a solution, only PGMS Inc. offers end-to-end management and protection of assets for PGMs. A key competitive differentiation of PGMS Inc. is we are the only company that offers full service management and asset protection providing transparency, accountability, accessibility and efficiency throughout the process from purchasing the PGMs to receiving the finished converter. Other companies fail to track items such as PGM usage, loadings, and dollar expenditures per part. However, our patent-pending system tracks exact PGM usage and loadings for every part produced. A key element in our service is the rigorous tracking and auditing of washcoaters. Physically auditing washcoaters to validate the PGM content being loaded on parts is an essential part in managing PGMs. Whether complete management service or a simple purchase, PGMS Inc. provides protection of assets and cost savings that no other company can offer.